Most major financial markets have doubled since 2009 lows

The period since March 2009 has been a wonderful time for most investors in the major markets. As the blog’s 6-monthly update shows, almost every index has increased, and by large amounts:

Russia has been the biggest winner, up 151%, due to its oil and gas export position

The US is up 147%, as the Federal Reserve has pumped out free cash, hoping to stimulate consumer demand

India is up 139%, even though the excitement over ‘Incredible India’ is now waning

Germany is up 135% in expectations of a strong Eurozone recovery

Japan is up 96% as investors hope for an end 20 years of deflation and low growth

The UK is up 83% as funds scramble to buy shares in its very large companies

Funded by free cash from the central banks, investors have focused on buying. Bad news has always been good news for them – if economic data disappoints, then this simply means the free cash will continue for longer than expected. And there is no doubt at all in their minds that a strong global economic recovery is inevitable.

Only two markets have spoiled the party - China, down 1%; and the US 30-year Treasury bond, down 7%. China initially recovered strongly in 2009, but enthusiasm for its massive borrowing bubble soon ended. The market was up 56% by July, but this proved its peak. Since then, it has steadily fallen back, and has now given up all its gains.

Even more interesting is the 30-year bond. Interest rates at first rose strongly, as investors assumed there would be a V-shaped recovery. But as they become less confident, so yields began to fall, as the value proposition of ‘return of capital’ increased in appeal. By July 2012, yields had almost halved from their 4.75% peak to just 2.5%.

These moves give pause for thought.

If China was really going to lead the world out of recession, its stock markets ought to have done better. Instead, the money from its lending bubble has focused on property investment, where prices relative to average earnings are now twice those seen at the height of the US subprime boom.

Equally, the recent rise in US 30-year yields, now back to 3.75%, is already slowing key interest rate sensitive markets such as housing and autos.

Even more importantly, chemical markets - long the best leading indicator for the real economy – are highlighting major problems ahead. Week after week, we read the same reports of abundant supply and weak demand, as the performance of the benchmark products in the IeC Downturn Monitor shows.

Ironically, the US is the only exception. It should be using its shale gas advantage to gain market share via lower prices. But ongoing plant problems mean it has instead struggled to supply existing demand.

Latest benchmark price movements since January with ICIS pricing comments this week are below:Benzene Europe, down 17%. ”Domestic supply remains ample, while demand is slower than expected”PTA China, down 11%. “Most market players have a bearish market outlook because of ample supply and an expected slow recovery of downstream polyester demand amid the weak macroeconomic environment”Naphtha Europe, down 5%. “Independent stock data gathered at the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub reveals naphtha stocks at the ports have risen sharply this week”Brent crude oil, down 3%.HDPE USA export, up 16%. “Pricing has risen for 3 weeks following news of two simultaneous force majeure declarations”US$: yen, up 11%S&P 500 stock market index, up 15%

About Paul Hodges

Paul Hodges is Chairman of International eChem, trusted commercial advisers to the global chemical industry. Paul is also an invited member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council. The aim of this blog is to share ideas about the influences that may shape the chemical industry over the next 12 – 18 months. It will try to look behind today’s headlines, to understand what may happen next in important issues such oil prices, economic growth and the environment. We may also have some fun, investigating a few of the more offbeat events that take place from time to time. Please do join me and share your thoughts. Between us, we will hopefully develop useful insights into the key factors that will drive the industry's future performance.

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Paul Hodges is Chairman of International eChem, trusted commercial advisers to the global chemical industry.

The aim of this blog is to share ideas about the influences that may shape the chemical industry over the next 12 – 18 months. It will try to look behind today’s headlines, to understand what may happen next in important issues such oil prices, economic growth and the environment. We may also have some fun, investigating a few of the more offbeat events that take place from time to time. Please do join me and share your thoughts.

Between us, we will hopefully develop useful insights into the key factors that will drive the industry's future performance.